Prairie View Today

Frederick V. Roberts, Esquire

Published 7:00 pm, Wednesday, October 25, 2006

The National Family Partnership created the campaign in 1988 to honor the memory of DEA Agent Kiki Camarena who was murdered by drug traffickers in Mexico City in 1985. Under the national's theme "100 % Me Drug Free", the university is hosting several events to focus on intolerance towards the use of drugs and alcohol. In a most dramatic form, to kick of its event, Lydia Love, program coordinator, displayed a wrecked SUV on the campus that was donated by the DPS. The vehicle, the result of an accident involving the use alcohol, had mannequin body parts strewn through windshield to make a dramatic effect. For those who say that Ms. Love is full of drama, well you're right. She admitted that she wanted to "make a definite impact on the students this year." I'll say she did! Contact Ms. Love at (936) 857-2693 for information.

Prairie View's Amistad Bookplace will conclude its Artist and Entrepreneur Month's activities on Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for vendors, authors and aspiring artists. Fiction writer Anita Bunkley is the featured author and will be at Amistad, 700 University Drive 11a.m. - 2p.m. Bunkley will promote her most recent book, "Silent Wager." The program is co-sponsored by the SIFE Team at PVAMU. For information on the event contact Denise or DeNeka at (936) 857-9101 for information.

This Friday, Oct. 27, the folks St. Francis of Assisi will kick off its Monthly Men's Fellowship Breakfast from 7 to 7:45 a.m. in the parish hall. The event, open to all men of the community, is an innovative program of the rector, the Rev. Matthias Onyendi, to create an environment for the men of the community to come together to talk about their spirituality and to discuss relevant topics. The public is also invited to attend Wednesday services at 6 p.m., followed by the Monthly Parish Dinner (first Wednesday) on Nov. 1 at 6:30 p.m. A small donation will be collected.

Other events include the "St. Francis' Operation Bring a Friend to Church" on Nov. 5 at 10 a.m., and the return of the W.O.R.D. Program for the children of the community on Nov. 12 from 2 to 5 p.m., on Sundays. For information on the programs, call (936) 857-3272.

It was no celebrity roast, but community members, family, colleagues and friends all turned out for the Purvis M. Carter Scholarship Gala on Oct. 21. The event paid homage to Dr. Purvis M. Carter upon his retirement of 50 years of service to Prairie View A&M University. Presenters included Mayor Frank D. Jackson, Judge Dwayne Charleston, President Emeritus Dr. Alvin I. Thomas, Mrs. Douglas Woolfolk, Mrs. Elizabeth Martin, Dr. Walle EngedayehuI, head of the department, and yours truly, Frederick, representing the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Dr. Danny Kelley, dean of arts and sciences, was the consummate MC for the grand event. Family members attending were Carter's lovely wife Gwen, children Purvis III, Frederick of Washington DC, who spoke on behalf of the family, Burnest and grandson Purvis IV from Dallas, and his sister Nova from San Antonio. The accolades were all laden with poetry from Maya Angelou to Langston Hughes, and James Baldwin in between.

The members of the First United Methodist Church View will host its 35th Anniversary Celebration, commemorating the founding of the church in Prairie View, on Nov. 29 at 3 p.m. The public is invited. Rehearsals are under way for the church's Annual Christmas Cantata on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. "Born a Savior, Born a King" by John Purifoy is this year's production which is being directed by the Maestro Lucius Wyatt.

The members of the Prairie View Retired Teachers Association - Anne Preston Unit will hold its monthly meeting on Oct. 25 at 1 p.m. All retired employers in the education field are invited to join the association. The Prairie View Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly meeting on Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. in the Prairie View National Alumni George E. Higgs Headquarters on University Drive. The public is invited to attend.

The folks in University College are hosting its Annual Majors Fair on Nov. 7 for undecided majors in the Memorial Student Center Ballroom from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Several high schools have also been invited to bring their seniors to the event. For more information contact the sponsors at (936) 857-2505.

The Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) Team at PVAMU will kick off its Fiscal Fitness Month (November) with seminars and activities to bring focus on financial literacy - credit and money management, investment strategies, stock market trading and real estate. During November the team will also sponsor two major events that involve showcasing the talented students at the university. On Nov. 11, SIFE will co-sponsor the return of Club Pees and Vees, a nightclub scene sponsored at the university during the 80's and 90's as a form of edutainment' with a band, singers and a DJ. On Nov. 18 with the Changing the World Talent Competition and Visions of Stardom Showcase, and the Entertainment Business Seminar. For information on SIFE activities contact Johnie Jones, president or the Sam Walton Fellow at (936) 857-2055.

Hurrah! Hurrah! Sheila Foley is all smiles again on the birth of her third grandchild Samara Marie on Oct. 9. Her parents, Marcus and Stephanie Chavez, of Waller are both coping and look forward to many sleepless nights, at least for the next 11 months! Congratulations.

The countdown is on for Homecoming 2006 at PVAMU designated for the week of Oct. 29 thru Nov. 4. The Gospel Fest kicks of the festivities on Oct. 29 with featured artist Marcus Kelly, along with the Voices of Corinth and the Baptist Student Movement Choir. Other events are the Jazz/Poetry Showcase, Book Review, the King and Queen's Ball, Step show, parade and football game with the Panthers vs. the Lions of the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Nov. 4. The there are Golden Anniversary Class Reunion Celebration, the National Alumni Association Meeting, the dedication of the Nathalyn Kennedy Architecture and Art Building and the Parent Association's Caribbean Luau for visiting parents and guardians from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the MSC Ballroom, all on Nov. 3. Contact Student Activities at (936) 857-4410 for details.

The folks at Sodexho Campus Dining at PVAMU are taking an early jump on the Thanksgiving Meal. The management is now taking orders for the 'full meal deal' beginning Oct. 26 thru Nov. 17 at 12 p.m., with last day for pickup on Nov. 22. For details call (936) 857-3986 or (936) 857-4326.

ON A CULTURAL NOTE, I am sure you knew that on Oct. 23, 1783 - Virginia emancipates slaves who fought for independence during the Revolutionary War; 10/24 - United Nations Day; 10/24/05 - the venerable Mrs. Rosa L. Parks, mother of the modern civil rights movement, died on this date at age 92; 10/25/40 - Benjamin O Davis becomes the first Black general in US Army.

Until next week, in the words of Enrique "Kiki" Camarena to his mother's wish for him, "I can't not do this mother, I'm only one person, but I want to make a difference." Believe in the power of one and make a difference in the lives of others. Keep the news, achievements and recognitio